U.S. patent number 10,670,177 [Application Number 16/384,287] was granted by the patent office on 2020-06-02 for mechanical branch outlet.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Anvil International, LLC. The grantee listed for this patent is Anvil International, LLC. Invention is credited to Joseph William Beagen, Jr., Thomas Borawski, Matthew W. McNamara, Stephen Eric Scott.
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United States Patent |
10,670,177 |
Borawski , et al. |
June 2, 2020 |
Mechanical branch outlet
Abstract
A mechanical branch outlet including: a housing having an outer
surface and an inner surface and defining an outlet bore extending
between the outer surface and the inner surface; and an insert
having a first end and a second end, the outlet bore of the housing
sized to receive the second end of the insert and retain the first
end of the insert.
Inventors: |
Borawski; Thomas (Coventry,
RI), Beagen, Jr.; Joseph William (Providence, RI),
McNamara; Matthew W. (Portsmouth, RI), Scott; Stephen
Eric (North Kingstown, RI) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Anvil International, LLC |
Exeter |
NH |
US |
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Assignee: |
Anvil International, LLC
(Exeter, NH)
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Family
ID: |
58615560 |
Appl.
No.: |
16/384,287 |
Filed: |
April 15, 2019 |
Prior Publication Data
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Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
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US 20190242513 A1 |
Aug 8, 2019 |
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Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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14926781 |
Oct 29, 2015 |
10309568 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F16L
25/06 (20130101); F16L 41/12 (20130101); F16L
41/06 (20130101); F16L 17/02 (20130101); F16L
41/021 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
F16L
17/02 (20060101); F16L 41/02 (20060101); F16L
41/12 (20060101); F16L 25/06 (20060101); F16L
41/06 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;285/197,198,199,204,188 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
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0793048 |
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Sep 1997 |
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EP |
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2097501 |
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Nov 1982 |
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GB |
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Other References
Borawski, Thomas; Applicant-Initiated Interview Summary for U.S.
Appl. No. 14/926,781, filed Oct. 29, 2015, dated Nov. 6, 2018, 5
pgs. cited by applicant .
Borawski, Thomas; Non-Final Office Action for U.S. Appl. No.
14/926,781, filed Oct. 29, 2015, dated Aug. 15, 2018, 21 pgs. cited
by applicant .
Borawski, Thomas; Notice of Allowance for U.S. Appl. No.
14/926,781, filed Oct. 29, 2015, dated Jan. 17, 2019, 10 pgs. cited
by applicant .
Borawski, Thomas; Requirement for Restriction/Election for U.S.
Appl. No. 14/926,781, filed Oct. 29, 2015, dated May 1, 2018. cited
by applicant .
Borawski, Thomas; U.S. Patent Application entitled: Mechanical
Branch Outlet having U.S. Appl. No. 14/926,781, filed Oct. 29,
2015, 50 pgs. cited by applicant .
Borawski, Thomas; Non-Final Office Action for U.S. Appl. No.
16/384,314, filed Apr. 15, 2019, dated Oct. 1, 2019, 17 pgs. cited
by applicant .
Borawski, Thomas; Requirement for Restriction/Election for U.S.
Appl. No. 16/384,314, filed Apr. 15, 2019, dated Aug. 6, 2019, 9
pgs. cited by applicant .
Anvil International; Article entitled "Threaded Mechanical Branch
Tee", located at
<http://www.anvilintl.com/ProductSearch/PrintProduct.aspx?lid=4150>-
, accessed on Aug. 19, 2015, 2 pgs. cited by applicant .
Anvil International; Product Sheet for Gruvlock Clamp-T, publicly
available prior to Oct. 29, 2015, 4 pgs. cited by applicant .
Shurjoint; Product Sheet for Mechanical Cross, publicly available
prior to Oct. 28, 2015, 5 pgs. cited by applicant .
Shurjoint; Product Sheet for Model 723 Saddle-Let (Small Mechanical
Tee), publicly available prior to Oct. 28, 2015, 3 pgs. cited by
applicant .
Shurjoint; Product Sheet for Model M22 Mechanical Tee, Grooved-End
Outlet, publicly available prior to Oct. 28, 2015, 4 pgs. cited by
applicant .
Victaulic; Product Sheet for Hole Cut Piping System, copyright
2008; 4 pgs. cited by applicant .
Victaulic; Product Sheet for Mechanical-T Bolted Branch Outlets,
copyright 2012, 8 pgs. cited by applicant .
Victualic; Product Sheet for Copper Mechanical-T Bolted Branch
Outlets and Cross Assemblies Style 622, copyright 2014, 5 pgs.
cited by applicant .
Viega, LLC; Brochure for Viega ProPress and MegaPress Systems,
publicly available prior to Oct. 28, 2015, 20 pgs. cited by
applicant .
Borawski, Thomas; Notice of Allowance for U.S. Appl. No.
16/384,314, filed Apr. 15, 2019, dated Jan. 30, 2020, 15 pgs. cited
by applicant.
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Primary Examiner: Bochna; David
Assistant Examiner: Linford; James A
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Taylor English Duma LLP
Parent Case Text
REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No.
14/926,781, filed Oct. 29, 2015, which is hereby specifically
incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
Claims
That which is claimed is:
1. A mechanical branch outlet comprising: a housing having an outer
surface and an inner surface and defining an outlet bore extending
between the outer surface and the inner surface; and an insert
having a first end and a second end, the insert defining an axis
aligned with the outlet bore of the housing, the outlet bore of the
housing sized to receive the second end of the insert and retain
the first end of the insert, the insert comprising a rim positioned
between the first end and the second end of the insert, a surface
of the rim angled with respect to the axis of the insert, an outer
diameter of the rim greater than each of the outlet bore of the
housing and an outer diameter of the first end of the insert; and a
gasket defining a bore defining an inner diameter, the inner
diameter sized to receive the first end of the insert, the gasket
of the mechanical branch outlet comprising a first sealing leg, a
second sealing leg, and a third sealing leg; the first sealing leg
positioned to contact a pipe when the housing is installed on the
pipe; each of the second sealing leg and the third sealing leg
contacting the insert, the gasket further defining a recess in the
bore between the second sealing leg and the third sealing leg, the
bore sized to receive the rim.
2. The mechanical branch outlet of claim 1, wherein the gasket
defines a lower surface, the lower surface having a cylindrical
contour.
3. The mechanical branch outlet of claim 2, wherein the cylindrical
contour of the lower surface of the gasket is substantially coaxial
with a longitudinal axis of the mechanical branch outlet.
4. The mechanical branch outlet of claim 3, wherein the rim of the
insert also has a cylindrical contour.
5. The mechanical branch outlet of claim 4, wherein the cylindrical
contour of the rim is substantially coaxial with the longitudinal
axis of the mechanical branch outlet.
6. The mechanical branch outlet of claim 1, wherein the housing is
an upper housing and includes ductile iron.
7. The mechanical branch outlet of claim 1, wherein the rim is
sized to retain a first end of the insert inside the housing, the
rim being integral with the material of the insert.
8. The mechanical branch outlet of claim 7, wherein the rim is
positioned between the second sealing leg of the gasket and the
third sealing leg of the gasket.
9. The mechanical branch outlet of claim 1, wherein the gasket
defines a pocket between the first sealing leg and the second
sealing leg, the pocket facing radially inward and angularly away
from the housing and configured to strengthen the seal formed by
the first sealing leg against the pipe.
10. The mechanical branch outlet of claim 1, wherein the third
sealing leg comprises a rib in contact with the insert.
11. The mechanical branch outlet of claim 1, wherein the third
sealing leg comprises two ribs in contact with the insert.
12. The mechanical branch outlet of claim 1, wherein a first
surface of the recess faces axially outward and a second surface of
the recess faces radially inward with respect to an axis of the
gasket.
13. The mechanical branch outlet of claim 1, wherein each of the
first sealing leg, the second sealing leg, and the third sealing
leg extends radially inward with respect to an axis of the
gasket.
14. A pipe system comprising the mechanical branch outlet of claim
1, the pipe system further comprising a pipe, the pipe defining a
transverse bore in an outer wall of the pipe sized to receive the
first end of the insert, the mechanical branch outlet being
assembled to the pipe.
15. The pipe system of claim 14, wherein the insert extends from
the pipe at an angle to a longitudinal axis of the pipe that is
substantially equal to 90 degrees.
16. The pipe system of claim 14, wherein a curvature of the gasket
and a curvature of an outer diameter of the pipe share a common
axis when the gasket is in a non-assembled state.
17. The pipe system of claim 14, wherein the housing is isolated
from a fluid path defined through the pipe and through the insert
when the pipe system is in an assembled state.
18. The pipe system of claim 14, wherein the first end of the
insert extends through the transverse bore defined in the outer
wall of the pipe.
19. The pipe system of claim 14, wherein the insert extends through
the outlet bore of the housing, the pipe system further comprising
a piping system element having a crimped joint crimped to an
exposed portion of the insert.
20. A method for assembling the mechanical branch outlet of claim 1
to a pipe, the method comprising: positioning the first end of the
insert of the mechanical branch outlet into a transverse opening in
the pipe; and assembling the housing of the mechanical branch
outlet to the pipe, the housing being isolated from a fluid path
defined through the pipe and through the insert when the pipe
system is in an assembled state.
21. The method of claim 20, wherein the pipe is a first pipe, the
method further comprising connecting a piping system element to the
insert, the piping system element being a crimp fitting.
22. The method of claim 20, further comprising: assembling the
gasket to the pipe between the housing and the pipe by contacting
the first sealing leg of the gasket with an outer surface of the
pipe; contacting the second sealing leg of the gasket with an outer
surface of the insert of the mechanical branch outlet; and
contacting the third sealing leg of the gasket with the outer
surface of the insert of the mechanical branch outlet, the rim of
the insert positioned between the second sealing leg and the third
sealing leg of the gasket.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
This disclosure relates to pipe fittings. More specifically, this
disclosure relates to fittings for creating an outlet along a
length of pipe.
BACKGROUND
In systems such as pipe systems that store or transport a fluid,
various fittings may be utilized to connect one part of the pipe
system to another part of the pipe system. When the fluid is water
such as potable water (i.e., safe for drinking) or another fluid
that is intended for human consumption such as a drinkable
beverage, each component in the pipe system is typically
manufactured from a material that does not contaminate the fluid.
The fittings and connections used in such pipe systems including
those used to create a branch outlet, however, typically
incorporate sweating or threading operations that introduce
installation cost and complexity.
SUMMARY
Disclosed is a mechanical branch outlet including: a housing having
an outer surface and an inner surface and defining an outlet bore
extending between the outer surface and the inner surface; and an
insert having a first end and a second end, the outlet bore of the
housing sized to receive the second end of the insert and retain
the first end of the insert.
Also disclosed is a pipe system including: a mechanical branch
outlet comprising: a housing; and an insert including a rim for
retaining a first end of the insert inside the housing; and a pipe,
the pipe defining a transverse bore in an outer wall of the pipe
sized to receive the mechanical branch outlet, the mechanical
branch outlet being assembled to the pipe.
Also disclosed is a method for assembling a mechanical branch
outlet to a pipe including: assembling an insert to a pipe along an
axis of a transverse opening in the pipe; and assembling a housing
to the pipe, the mechanical branch outlet being isolated from a
fluid path defined through the pipe and through the insert when the
pipe system is in an assembled state.
Various implementations described in the present disclosure may
include additional systems, methods, features, and advantages,
which may not necessarily be expressly disclosed herein but will be
apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon examination of
the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. It is
intended that all such systems, methods, features, and advantages
be included within the present disclosure and protected by the
accompanying claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The features and components of the following figures are
illustrated to emphasize the general principles of the present
disclosure. Corresponding features and components throughout the
figures may be designated by matching reference characters for the
sake of consistency and clarity.
FIG. 1 is a partially sectioned perspective exploded view of a
piping system including a mechanical branch outlet in accordance
with one embodiment of the current disclosure.
FIG. 2 is a front view of the mechanical branch outlet of FIG. 1 in
an assembled state.
FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the mechanical branch outlet of FIG.
1 taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 2.
FIG. 4 is a side view of an insert of the mechanical branch outlet
of FIG. 1 taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 1.
FIG. 5 is a sectional view of the insert of FIG. 4 taken along line
5-5 of FIG. 4.
FIG. 6 is a partially sectioned perspective exploded view of a
piping system including a mechanical branch outlet in accordance
with another embodiment of the current disclosure.
FIG. 7 is a front view of the mechanical branch outlet of FIG. 6 in
an assembled state.
FIG. 8 is a sectional view of the mechanical branch outlet of FIG.
6 taken along line 8-8 of FIG. 7.
FIG. 9 is a front view of an insert of the mechanical branch outlet
of FIG. 6 taken along line 9-9 of FIG. 6.
FIG. 10 is a sectional view of the insert of FIG. 9 taken along
line 10-10 of FIG. 9.
FIG. 11 is a perspective exploded view of a piping system including
a mechanical branch outlet in accordance with yet another
embodiment of the current disclosure.
FIG. 12 is a front view of the mechanical branch outlet of FIG. 11
in an assembled state.
FIG. 13 is a sectional view of the mechanical branch outlet of FIG.
11 taken along line 13-13 of FIG. 12.
FIG. 14 is a side view of an insert of the mechanical branch outlet
of FIG. 11 taken along line 14-14 of FIG. 11.
FIG. 15 is a sectional view of the insert of FIG. 14 taken along
line 15-15 of FIG. 14.
FIG. 16 is a detail sectional view of a gasket of the mechanical
branch outlet of FIG. 1 taken from detail 16 of FIG. 3.
FIG. 17 is a detail sectional view of a gasket of the mechanical
branch outlet of FIG. 6 taken from detail 17 of FIG. 8.
FIG. 18 is a detail sectional view of a gasket of the mechanical
branch outlet of FIG. 6 taken from detail 18 of FIG. 13.
FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a crimped joint connecting the
insert of FIG. 4 with a piping system element in accordance with
one embodiment of the current disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Disclosed is a mechanical branch outlet and associated methods,
systems, devices, and various apparatus. The mechanical branch
outlet includes a housing and an insert. It would be understood by
one of skill in the art that the disclosed mechanical branch outlet
is described in but a few exemplary embodiments among many. No
particular terminology or description should be considered limiting
on the disclosure or the scope of any claims issuing therefrom.
FIG. 1 shows one embodiment of a mechanical branch outlet 100 for
use in a pipe system 80. The pipe system 80 includes the mechanical
branch outlet 100 and a pipe 90. The pipe 90--which can
alternatively be described as a tube in various embodiments and is
not limited to the relative diameter of the pipe 90 shown--defines
a longitudinal axis 92, an outer diameter 94, and a transverse bore
96. In various embodiments, the transverse bore 96 of the pipe 90
defines a transverse bore axis 82 along which an axis 102 of the
mechanical branch outlet 100 is aligned. The pipe 90 also defines
an outer surface and includes an outer wall 98.
In various embodiments, the mechanical branch outlet 100 includes a
housing 200, an insert 300, and a gasket 400. In various
embodiments, the housing 200 includes an upper housing 210 and a
lower housing 250. In various embodiments, fasteners such as a pair
of fasteners 510a,b are positioned along a pair of axes 105a,b,
respectively, to assemble and tighten the mechanical branch outlet
100 about the pipe 90. In various embodiments, such fasteners
include, but are not limited to, a bolt and nut combination. In
various embodiments, the bolt and nut combination and the lower
housing 250 can be replaced with a U-bolt (not shown) with
upward-facing threaded portions (not shown) aligned along axes
105a,b for tightening to the pipe 90 an upper housing and the
remaining elements of a mechanical branch outlet like the
mechanical branch outlet 100.
The upper housing 210 of the housing 200 defines an outer surface
211 and an inner surface 212. In various embodiments, the upper
housing 210 defines an outlet bore 215 defined in a boss 214 and
extending between the outer surface 211 and the inner surface 212.
The outlet bore 215 aligns with the axis 102 during assembly of the
mechanical branch outlet 100. In various embodiments, the outlet
bore 215 of the upper housing is sized to receive a second end 307
of the insert 300. In various embodiments, the upper housing 210
includes fastener pads 220a,b, at a first end 206 and a second end
207, respectively. In various embodiments, the fasteners pads
220a,b define fastener openings 225a,b, which are slots in various
embodiments and are cylindrical, oval, or elliptical in shape in
various other embodiments, and a facing surface 224 (shown in FIG.
2). In various embodiments, the upper housing 210 has a
semi-circular shape in a portion between the fastener pads 220a,b
in order to match the curvature of the outer surface of the pipe
90. In various embodiments, a curvature of the inner surface 212
matches a curvature of the outer surface of the pipe 90. In various
embodiments, the upper housing 210 includes ears 230a,b--which can
alternatively be described as tabs in various embodiments--which
define protruded portions of the outer surface 211 and indented
portions of the inner surface 212.
The lower housing 250 of the housing 200 defines an outer surface
251 and an inner surface 252. In various embodiments, the lower
housing 250 includes fastener pads 260a,b, at a first end 256 and a
second end 257, respectively. In various embodiments, the fasteners
pads 260a,b define fastener openings 265a,b (265b not shown), which
are slots in various embodiments and are cylindrical, oval, or
elliptical in shape in various other embodiments, and a facing
surface 254. In various embodiments, the shape of the fastener
openings 265a,b in the lower housing 250 will match the shape of
the fastener openings 225a,b in the upper housing 210. In various
embodiments, the lower housing 250 has a semi-circular shape in a
portion between the fastener pads 260a,b in order to match the
curvature of the outer surface of the pipe 90. In various
embodiments, the upper housing 210 and the lower housing 250
together define a pipe bore 204 when the mechanical branch outlet
100 is in an assembled state such as shown in FIG. 2.
In various embodiments, the insert 300 defines an outer surface 301
and an inner surface 302 and includes a first end 306, the second
end 307, and a rim 320, which may alternatively be described as a
flange, in the current embodiment. In various embodiments, the
insert 300 includes a wall 308. The first end 306 and the second
end 307 define outer diameters 316,317, respectively (shown in FIG.
5), and the rim 320 defines an outer diameter 324 (shown in FIG.
5). In various embodiments, an upper surface 401 of the gasket 400
can be made flat and the rim 320 of the insert 300 and the inner
surface 212 of the upper housing 210 can be made flat (i.e.,
without curvature) to match. In such embodiments, it is primarily a
lower surface 402 of the gasket and portions of the upper housing
210 and the lower housing 260 which are shaped to match the
curvature of the outer surface of the pipe 90.
The gasket 400, a side cross-section of which is shown in and
described with respect to FIG. 16, defines the upper surface 401
(shown with curvature), a lower surface 402 (shown in FIG. 16), an
inner bore 410, and an outer edge surface 415. In various
embodiments, the gasket has an inner diameter 404 (shown in FIG.
16) sized to receive a first end 306 of the insert 300. In various
embodiments, a curvature of the upper surface 401 matches a
curvature of a lower surface 321 (shown in FIG. 5) of the rim 320
of the insert 300 and also a curvature of the inside surface 212 of
the upper housing 210. In various embodiments, a curvature of the
lower surface 402 matches a curvature of the outer surface of the
pipe 90 which in various embodiments matches a curvature of the
outer surface of the pipe 90 around the transverse bore 96. In
various embodiments, a curvature of the lower surface 402 matches a
curvature of the outer surface of the pipe 90 even when the gasket
is in a non-assembled state (i.e., the gasket 400 is formed or
molded such that a curvature of the lower surface 402 matches a
curvature of the outer surface of the pipe 90 even before
assembling the gasket 400 to the pipe 90). In various embodiments,
a curvature may be introduced into the gasket 400 during assembly
of the gasket 400 to the pipe 90. In various embodiments, the
curved shape of the gasket 400 results in a cross-section or
profile that varies in shape depending on where the cross-section
of the gasket 400 is taken. In various embodiments, the gasket 400
includes ears 430a,b--which can alternatively be described as tabs
in various embodiments--sized to be received within the ears 230a,b
of the upper housing 210 of the housing 200. In various
embodiments, the inclusion of the ears 430a,b prevents the gasket
400 from rotating out of the correct position about the transverse
bore axis 82 with respect to the pipe 90. In various embodiments,
the ears 430a,b are sufficiently secured within the ears 230a,b of
the upper housing 210 of the housing 200--for example, by a tight
fit therein--such that the ears 430a,b can also be used to retain
the gasket 400 in the housing 200. In various embodiments, the ears
230a,b or the ears 430a,b or both may have, for example, a dovetail
or cylindrical shape when viewed facing along the transverse bore
axis 82.
In various embodiments, the upper housing 210 and the lower housing
250 incorporate complementary features which serve to lock the
upper housing 210 with respect to the lower housing 250,
particularly as the mechanical branch outlet 100 is being assembled
and tightened. In various embodiments, the lower housing 250
includes a tab 270 proximate the second end 257. In various
embodiments, the tab 270 is rounded to ease insertion into a groove
240 defined in the upper housing 210 proximate the second end 207.
When the mechanical branch outlet 100 is being assembled and
tightened, axial movement of the upper housing 210 with respect to
the lower housing 250 is resisted by entrapment of the tab 270
within the groove 240. The disclosure of one tab 270 and one groove
240 in the housing 200 and their particular locations should not be
considered limiting on the current disclosure, however, as in
various embodiments a housing such as the housing 200 may include
more than one of each or no such feature as a tab 270 or a groove
240 at all. In various embodiments when present, the tab 270 and
the groove 240 need not be rounded and may be of any shape or size
at all as long as the tab 270 fits within the groove 240.
FIG. 2 shows the mechanical branch outlet 100 from the front in an
assembled state taken along a longitudinal axis 202 of the pipe
bore 204. An exposed portion 330 of the insert 300 is shown with an
exposed length 334 as measured from an uppermost portion of the
outer surface 211 of the upper housing 210 to the second end 307 of
the insert 300. The inner surface 212 of the upper housing 210 and
the inner surface 252 of the lower housing 250 of the housing 200
are shown facing each other to form the pipe bore 204. In various
embodiments, the facing surface 224 of the upper housing 210 and
the facing surface 254 of the lower housing 250 of the housing 200
also face each other and come into mating contact with each other
during assembly and tightening of the mechanical branch outlet 100.
In various embodiments, this is an indication that the mechanical
branch outlet 100 has been sufficiently tightened. In various other
embodiments, however, a gap can remain between the facing surface
224 of the upper housing 210 and the facing surface 254 of the
lower housing 250 even after sufficient tightening of the
mechanical branch outlet 100. In various embodiments, a gap can
remain due to slight variations in the dimensions of the various
parts including the outer diameter 94 of the pipe 90--or even to
accommodate those slight variations--or because in various
embodiments it is otherwise not necessary for facing surfaces of a
housing such as the facing surfaces 224,254 of the housing 200 to
make contact during assembly. In various embodiments, the first end
306 of the insert 300 extends through both an outer surface and an
inner surface of the wall 98 of the pipe 90 and into the path of a
fluid flowing through the pipe system 80. In various embodiments,
by extending through at least an outer surface of the outer wall 98
of the pipe 90, the insert 300 is prevented from rotating or
otherwise shifting out of its original position due to outside
forces acting on one or more portions of the assembly. In various
embodiments, the first end 306 can be shorter than shown or more
curved than shown (to more closely match an inner diameter of the
pipe 90)--or both shorter and more curved--to diminish obstruction
with fluid flow, though in various other embodiments the first end
306 as shown in FIG. 2 may not obstruct fluid flow to a degree that
is undesirable or only obstructs fluid flow at a level that is
considered acceptable under the circumstances. In various
embodiments, the lower surface 402 of the gasket 400 may extend
into the bore 204 of the mechanical branch outlet 100 before
tightening of the branch outlet 100 about the pipe 90. In various
embodiments, this can ensure a sufficiently tight seal between the
gasket 400 and the pipe 90.
FIG. 3 shows the mechanical branch outlet 100 in cross-section from
the side in an assembled state. In various embodiments, a recessed
portion 222 defined in the inner surface 212 of the upper housing
210 is sized to receive the rim 320 of the insert 300. In various
embodiments, a first sealing leg 440 contacts and seals against an
outer surface of the pipe 90 when the mechanical branch outlet 100
is in an assembled state as shown. In various embodiments, a second
sealing leg 450 contacts and seals against an outer surface 301 of
the insert 300 when the mechanical branch outlet 100 is in an
assembled state as shown. In various embodiments, the first sealing
leg 440 and the second sealing leg 450 define a pocket 412 defined
where fluid enters and presses the first sealing leg 440 and the
second sealing leg 450 against the mating surfaces of the pipe 90
and the insert 300, respectively. In various embodiments, fluid
pressure against a first side 421 of the pocket 412 strengthens the
seal formed by the first sealing leg 440 against an outer surface
of the pipe 90. In various embodiments, fluid pressure against a
second side 422 of the pocket 412 strengthens the seal formed by
the second sealing leg 450 against an outer surface 301 of the
insert 300. In various embodiments, the outer diameter 316 (shown
in FIG. 5) of the first end 306 of the insert 300 in a
non-assembled state is slightly larger than the inner diameter 404
(shown in FIG. 16) of the gasket 400 in a non-assembled state to
produce initial compression of the gasket 400 and help ensure a
tight seal between the insert 300 and the gasket 400. In various
embodiments, the outer diameter 316 of the first end 306 of the
insert 300 in a non-assembled state is about equal to the inner
diameter 404 of the gasket 400 in a non-assembled state but
features of the gasket 400 such as the second sealing leg 450
project, at least in part, radially inward from where the inner
diameter 404 is measured to produce initial compression of the
gasket 400 and help ensure a tight seal between the insert 300 and
the gasket 400. In various embodiments, each of the first sealing
leg 440, the second sealing leg 450, and other sealing legs of
various embodiments may include various surfaces, tips, and
portions and define various angles and other features hereinafter
described. The first sealing leg 440, the second sealing leg 450,
and other sealing legs of various embodiments may alternatively be
described as a sealing lip or a seal.
FIGS. 4 and 5 show a side view and a cross-sectional view,
respectively, of the insert 300. In various embodiments, an angle
.theta..sub.1 of the rim 320 as measured between a horizontal plane
390 and the upper surface 322 of the rim 320 varies between a
minimum of zero degrees at the front and rear to a maximum of
between zero and 90 degrees. In various embodiments, the angle
.theta..sub.1 reaches a maximum of approximately 30 to 35 degrees.
The disclosure of the angle .theta..sub.1 reaching a maximum of
approximately 30 to 35 degrees should not be considered limiting on
the current disclosure, however, as the angle .theta..sub.1 may
reach a maximum value outside of this range depending on the
diameter and shape of the pipe 90 to which the mechanical branch
outlet 100 is assembled. In various embodiments, a curvature of the
surface 322 matches a curvature of the inside surface 212 of the
upper housing 210. In various embodiments, the rim 320 defines a
curvature not only at each angular location around the perimeter of
the insert 300 but defines a curvature from a radially inward
portion of the rim 320 to a radially outward portion of the rim 320
and in such case the angle .theta..sub.1 is the average angle of
the rim 320 with respect to the horizontal plane 390 in a radial
direction relative to axis 102. In various embodiments, a curvature
of the upper surface 322 at a particular portion of the rim 320 and
a curvature 327 of the lower surface 321 at the same portion of the
rim 320 may vary by a material thickness T of the insert 300.
Again, the first end 306 of the insert 300 is shown having the
outer diameter 316, and the second end 307 of the insert 300 is
shown having the outer diameter 317. In various embodiments, an
axially outermost edge of the first end 306 defines a curvature
326. In various embodiments, the curvature 326 alternates between
concave and convex in shape depending on the point on the insert
300 at which the curvature 326 is being measured. In various
embodiments, an axially outermost edge of the second end 307 is
flat. In various embodiments, an axially outermost portion of the
second end 307 is expanded such that the insert 300 is able to
receive a portion of a piping system element such as plain-end
copper pipe sufficient in length for sweating or brazing to the
insert 300. In various embodiments, a portion of the outer surface
301 of the insert 300 proximate the second end 307 defines an
annular groove sized to receive a pipe coupling or other connecting
element for connecting the insert 300 to a piping system element
such as a pipe with a similar annular groove on at least one
end.
FIG. 6 discloses and describes another embodiment of a mechanical
branch outlet 100' for use in a pipe system 80'. The pipe system
80' includes the mechanical branch outlet 100' and a pipe 90. In
various embodiments, the mechanical branch outlet 100' includes a
housing 200', an insert 300', and a gasket 400'. In various
embodiments, the housing 200' includes an upper housing 210' and a
lower housing 250'. In various embodiments, fasteners (not shown)
are positioned along a pair of axes 105a',b' to assemble and
tighten the mechanical branch outlet 100' about the pipe 90. In
various embodiments, such fasteners include, but are not limited
to, a bolt and nut combination. In various embodiments, the bolt
and nut combination and the lower housing 250' can be replaced with
a U-bolt (not shown) with upward-facing threaded portions (not
shown) aligned along axes 105a',b' for tightening to the pipe 90 an
upper housing and the remaining elements of a mechanical branch
outlet like the mechanical branch outlet 100'.
The upper housing 210' of the housing 200' defines an outer surface
211' and an inner surface 212'. In various embodiments, the upper
housing 210' defines an outlet bore 215' defined in a boss 214' and
extending between the outer surface 211' and the inner surface
212'. The outlet bore 215' aligns with the axis 102' during
assembly of the mechanical branch outlet 100'. In various
embodiments, the outlet bore 215' of the upper housing 210' is
sized to receive a second end 307' of the insert 300'. In various
embodiments, the upper housing 210' includes fastener pads
220a',b', at a first end 206' and a second end 207', respectively.
In various embodiments, the fasteners pads 220a',b' define fastener
openings 225a',b', which are slots in various embodiments and are
cylindrical, oval, or elliptical in shape in various other
embodiments, and a facing surface 224' (shown in FIG. 7). In
various embodiments, the upper housing 210' has a semi-circular
shape in a portion between the fastener pads 220a',b' in order to
match the curvature of the outer surface of the pipe 90. In various
embodiments, a curvature of the inner surface 212' matches a
curvature of the outer surface of the pipe 90. In various
embodiments, the upper housing 210' includes ears 230a',b', which
define protruded portions of the outer surface 211' and indented
portions of the inner surface 212'.
The lower housing 250' of the housing 200' defines an outer surface
251' and an inner surface 252'. In various embodiments, the lower
housing 250' includes fastener pads 260a',b', at a first end 256'
and a second end 257', respectively. In various embodiments, the
fasteners pads 260a',b' define fastener openings 265a',b' (265b'
not shown), which are slots in various embodiments and are
cylindrical, oval, or elliptical in shape in various other
embodiments, and a facing surface 254'. In various embodiments, the
shape of the fastener openings 265a',b' in the lower housing 250'
will match the shape of the fastener openings 225a',b' in the upper
housing 210'. In various embodiments, the lower housing 250' has a
semi-circular shape in a portion between the fastener pads 260a',b'
in order to match the curvature of the outer surface of the pipe
90. In various embodiments, the upper housing 210' and the lower
housing 250' together define a pipe bore 204' when the mechanical
branch outlet 100' is in an assembled state such as shown in FIG.
7.
In various embodiments, the insert 300' defines an outer surface
301' and an inner surface 302' and includes a first end 306', the
second end 307', and a rim 320', which may alternatively be
described as a flange in the current embodiment. In various
embodiments, the insert 300' includes a wall 308'. The first end
306' and the second end 307' define outer diameters 316',317',
respectively (shown in FIG. 10), and the rim 320' defines an outer
diameter 324' (shown in FIG. 10). In various embodiments, an upper
surface 401' of the gasket 400' can be made flat and the rim 320'
of the insert 300' and the inner surface 212' of the upper housing
210' can be made flat (i.e., without curvature) to match. In such
embodiments, it is primarily a lower surface 402' of the gasket and
portions of the upper housing 210' and the lower housing 260' which
are shaped to match the curvature of the outer surface of the pipe
90.
The gasket 400', a side cross-section of which is shown in and
described with respect to FIG. 17, defines the upper surface 401'
(shown with curvature), a lower surface 402' (shown in FIG. 7), an
inner bore 410', and an outer edge surface 415'. In various
embodiments, the gasket has an inner diameter 404' (shown in FIG.
17) sized to receive a first end 306' of the insert 300'. In
various embodiments, a curvature of the inner bore 410' matches a
curvature of a lower surface 321' (shown in FIG. 10), an upper
surface 322' (shown in FIG. 10), and an edge surface 323' (shown in
FIG. 10) of the rim 320' of the insert 300'. In various
embodiments, a curvature of the upper surface 401' matches a
curvature of the inside surface 212' of the upper housing 210'. In
various embodiments, a curvature of the lower surface 402' matches
a curvature of the outer surface of the pipe 90 which in various
embodiments matches a curvature of the outer surface of the pipe 90
around the transverse bore 96. In various embodiments, a curvature
of the lower surface 402' matches a curvature of the outer surface
of the pipe 90 even when the gasket 400' is in a non-assembled
state (i.e., the gasket 400' is formed or molded such that a
curvature of the lower surface 402' matches a curvature of the
outer surface of the pipe 90 even before assembling the gasket 400'
to the pipe 90). In various embodiments, a curvature may be
introduced into the gasket 400' during assembly of the gasket 400'
to the pipe 90. In various embodiments, the curved shape of the
gasket 400' results in a cross-section or profile that varies in
shape depending on where the cross-section of the gasket 400' is
taken. In various embodiments, the gasket 400' includes ears
430a',b' sized to be received within the ears 230a',b' of the upper
housing 210' of the housing 200'. In various embodiments, the
inclusion of the ears 430a',b' prevents the gasket 400' from
rotating out of the correct position about the transverse bore axis
82 with respect to the pipe 90. In various embodiments, the ears
430a',b' are sufficiently secured within the ears 230a',b' of the
upper housing 210' of the housing 200'--for example, by a tight fit
therein--such that the ears 430a',b' can also be used to retain the
gasket 400' in the housing 200'. In various embodiments, the ears
230a',b' or the ears 430a',b' or both may have, for example, a
dovetail or cylindrical shape when viewed facing along the
transverse bore axis 82.
In various embodiments, the upper housing 210' and the lower
housing 250' incorporate complementary features which serve to lock
the upper housing 210' with respect to the lower housing 250',
particularly as the mechanical branch outlet 100' is being
assembled and tightened. In various embodiments, the lower housing
250' includes a tab 270a' proximate a first end 256' and a tab
270b' proximate a second end 257'. In various embodiments, each of
the tabs 270a',b' is rounded to ease insertion into grooves
240a',b', respectively (240a' not shown), defined in the upper
housing 210' proximate a first end 256' and a second end 257',
respectively. When the mechanical branch outlet 100' is being
assembled and tightened, axial movement of the upper housing 210'
with respect to the lower housing 250' is resisted by entrapment of
the tabs 270a',b' within the grooves 240a',b', respectively. The
disclosure of two tabs 270a',b' and grooves 240a',b' in the housing
200' should not be considered limiting on the current disclosure,
however, as in various embodiments a housing such as the housing
200' may include only one set or no such feature as a tab 270' or a
groove 240' at all. In various embodiments when present, the tab
270' and the groove 240' need not be rounded and may be of any
shape or size at all as long as the tab 270' fits within the groove
240'.
FIG. 7 shows the mechanical branch outlet 100' from the front in an
assembled state taken along a longitudinal axis 202' of the pipe
bore 204'. An exposed portion 330' of the insert 300' is shown with
an exposed length 334' as measured from an uppermost portion of the
outer surface 211' of the upper housing 210' to the second end 307'
of the insert 300'. The inner surface 212' of the upper housing
210' and the inner surface 252' of the lower housing 250' of the
housing 200' are shown facing each other to form the pipe bore
204'. In various embodiments, the facing surface 224' of the upper
housing 210' and the facing surface 254' of the lower housing 250'
of the housing 200' also face each other and come into mating
contact with each other during assembly and tightening of the
mechanical branch outlet 100'. In various embodiments, this is an
indication that the mechanical branch outlet 100' has been
sufficiently tightened. In various other embodiments, however, a
gap can remain between the facing surface 224' of the upper housing
210' and the facing surface 254' of the lower housing 250' even
after sufficient tightening of the mechanical branch outlet 100'.
In various embodiments, the first end 306' of the insert 300'
extends through both an outer surface and an inner surface of the
outer wall 98 of the pipe 90 and into the path of a fluid flowing
through the pipe system 80'. In various embodiments, by extending
through at least an outer surface of the outer wall 98 of the pipe
90, the insert 300' is prevented from rotating or otherwise
shifting out of its original position due to outside forces acting
on one or more portions of the assembly. In various embodiments,
the first end 306' can be shorter than shown or curved (to more
closely match an inner diameter of the pipe 90)--or both shorter
and curved--to diminish obstruction with fluid flow, though in
various other embodiments the first end 306' as shown in FIG. 7 may
not obstruct fluid flow to a degree that is undesirable or only
obstructs fluid flow at a level that is considered acceptable under
the circumstances. In various embodiments, the lower surface 402'
of the gasket 400' may extend into the bore 204' of the mechanical
branch outlet 100' before tightening of the branch outlet 100'
about the pipe 90. In various embodiments, this can ensure a
sufficiently tight seal between the gasket 400' and the pipe
90.
FIG. 8 shows the mechanical branch outlet 100' in cross-section
from the side in an assembled state. In various embodiments, a
recess 413' defined in the bore 410' of the gasket 400' is sized to
receive the rim 320' of the insert 300'. In various embodiments, a
first sealing leg 440' contacts and seals against an outer surface
of the pipe 90 when the mechanical branch outlet 100' is in an
assembled state as shown. In various embodiments, a second sealing
leg 450' contacts and seals against an outer surface 301' of the
insert 300' when the mechanical branch outlet 100' is in an
assembled state as shown. In various embodiments, the first sealing
leg 440' and the second sealing leg 450' define a pocket 412'
defined where fluid enters and presses the first sealing leg 440'
and the second sealing leg 450' against the mating surfaces of the
pipe 90 and the insert 300', respectively. In various embodiments,
fluid pressure against a first side 421' of the pocket 412'
strengthens the seal formed by the first sealing leg 440' against
an outer surface of the pipe 90. In various embodiments, fluid
pressure against a second side 422' of the pocket 412' strengthens
the seal formed by the second sealing leg 450' against an outer
surface 301' of the insert 300'. In various embodiments, a third
sealing leg 460' also contacts and seals against an outer surface
301' of the insert 300' at a point on the insert 300' above the rim
320' when the mechanical branch outlet 100' is in an assembled
state as shown. In various embodiments, the outer diameter 316'
(shown in FIG. 10) of the first end 306' of the insert 300' in a
non-assembled state is slightly larger than the inner diameter 404'
(shown in FIG. 17) of the gasket 400' in a non-assembled state to
produce initial compression of the gasket 400 and help ensure a
tight seal between the insert 300' and the gasket 400'. In various
embodiments, the outer diameter 316' of the first end 306' of the
insert 300' in a non-assembled state is about equal to the inner
diameter 404' of the gasket 400' in a non-assembled state but
features of the gasket 400' such as the second sealing leg 450'
project, at least in part, radially inward from where the inner
diameter 404' is measured to produce initial compression of the
gasket 400' and help ensure a tight seal between the insert 300'
and the gasket 400'. In various embodiments, each of the first
sealing leg 440', the second sealing leg 450', and other sealing
legs of various embodiments may include various surfaces, tips, and
portions and define various angles and other features hereinafter
described. The first sealing leg 440', the second sealing leg 450',
and other sealing legs of various embodiments may alternatively be
described as a sealing lip or a seal.
FIGS. 9 and 10 show a front view and a cross-sectional view,
respectively, of the insert 300'. In various embodiments, an angle
.theta..sub.2 of the rim 320' as measured between a horizontal
plane 390' and a tangent of a centerline 333' of the edge surface
323' of the rim 320' when viewed from the front varies between a
minimum of zero degrees at the front and rear to a maximum of
between zero and 90 degrees. In various embodiments, the angle
.theta..sub.2 reaches a maximum of approximately 15 to 20 degrees.
The disclosure of the angle .theta..sub.2 reaching a maximum of
between 15 and 20 degrees should not be considered limiting on the
current disclosure, however, as the angle .theta..sub.2 may reach a
maximum value outside of this range depending on the diameter and
shape of the pipe 90 to which the mechanical branch outlet 100' is
assembled. In various embodiments, a curvature of the upper surface
322' and a curvature of the lower surface 321' match a curvature of
the recess 413' of the gasket 400'.
In various embodiments, an angle .theta..sub.3 of the rim 320' as
measured between a horizontal plane 390' and an upper surface 322'
(shown in FIG. 10) of the rim 320 and an angle .theta..sub.4 of the
rim 320' as measured between a horizontal plane 390' and an lower
surface 321' (shown in FIG. 10) of the rim 320' each varies between
zero and 90 degrees. In various embodiments, the rim 320' defines a
curvature 327' at the radially outward edge of the lower surface
321' and a curvature 328' at the radially outward edge of the upper
surface 322' not only at each angular location around the perimeter
of the insert 300' but also defines a curvature from a radially
inward portion of the rim 320' to a radially outward portion of the
rim 320' in a radial direction relative to axis 102'. Therefore, in
various embodiments the angle .theta..sub.3 is an average angle of
the upper surface 322' with respect to the horizontal plane 390',
and the angle .theta..sub.4 is an average angle of the lower
surface 321' with respect to the horizontal plane 390'. In various
embodiments, the curvature 328' of the upper surface 322' and the
curvature 327' of the lower surface 321' of the rim 320' may vary
by an amount equal to a distance between an upper edge and a lower
edge of the edge surface 323a' of the rim 320'. Again, the first
end 306' of the insert 300' is shown having the outer diameter
316', and the second end 307' of the insert 300' is shown having
the outer diameter 317'. In various embodiments, an axially
outermost edge of the first end 306' is flat as shown. In various
other embodiments, an axially outermost edge of the first end 306'
defines a curvature (not shown). In various embodiments, an axially
outermost edge of the second end 307' is flat. In various
embodiments, an axially outermost portion of the second end 307' is
expanded such that the insert 300' is able to receive a portion of
a piping system element such as plain-end copper pipe sufficient in
length for sweating or brazing to the insert 300'. In various
embodiments, a portion of the outer surface 301' of the insert 300'
proximate to the second end 307' defines an annular groove sized to
receive a pipe coupling or other connecting element for connecting
the insert 300' to a piping system element such as a pipe with a
similar annular groove on at least one end.
FIG. 11 shows another embodiment of a mechanical branch outlet
100'' for use in a pipe system 80''. The pipe system 80'' includes
the mechanical branch outlet 100'' and a pipe 90. In various
embodiments, the mechanical branch outlet 100'' includes a housing
200'', an insert 300'', and a gasket 400''. In various embodiments,
the housing 200'' includes an upper housing 210'' and a lower
housing 250''. In various embodiments, fasteners (not shown) are
positioned along a pair of axes 105a'',b'' to assemble and tighten
the mechanical branch outlet 100'' about the pipe 90. In various
embodiments, such fasteners include, but are not limited to, a bolt
and nut combination. In various embodiments, the bolt and nut
combination and the lower housing 250'' can be replaced with a
U-bolt (not shown) with upward-facing threaded portions (not shown)
aligned along axes 105a'',b'' for tightening to the pipe 90 an
upper housing and the remaining elements of a mechanical branch
outlet like the mechanical branch outlet 100''.
The upper housing 210'' of the housing 200'' defines an outer
surface 211'' and an inner surface 212''. In various embodiments,
the upper housing 210'' defines an outlet bore 215'' defined in a
boss 214'' and extending between the outer surface 211'' and the
inner surface 212'' that aligns with the axis 102'' during assembly
of the mechanical branch outlet 100''. In various embodiments, the
outlet bore 215'' of the upper housing is sized to receive a second
end 307'' of the insert 300''. In various embodiments, the upper
housing 210'' includes fastener pads 220a'',b'', at a first end
206'' and a second end 207', respectively. In various embodiments,
the fasteners pads 220a'',b'' define fastener openings 225a'',b'',
which are slots in various embodiments and are cylindrical, oval,
or elliptical in shape in various other embodiments, and a facing
surface 224'' (shown in FIG. 12). In various embodiments, the upper
housing 210'' has a semi-circular shape in a portion between the
fastener pads 220a'',b'' in order to match the curvature of the
outer surface of the pipe 90. In various embodiments, a curvature
of the inner surface 212'' matches a curvature of the outer surface
of the pipe 90. In various embodiments, the upper housing 210''
includes ears 230a'',b'', which define protruded portions of the
outer surface 211'' and indented portions of the inner surface
212''.
The lower housing 250'' of the housing 200'' defines an outer
surface 251'' and an inner surface 252''. In various embodiments,
the lower housing 250'' includes fastener pads 260a'',b'', at a
first end 256'' and a second end 257'', respectively. In various
embodiments, the fasteners pads 260a'',b'' define fastener openings
265a'',b'' (265b'' not shown), which are slots in various
embodiments and are cylindrical, oval, or elliptical in shape in
various other embodiments, and a facing surface 254''. In various
embodiments, the shape of the fastener openings 265a'',b'' in the
lower housing 250'' will match the shape of the fastener openings
225a'',b'' in the upper housing 210''. In various embodiments, the
lower housing 250'' has a semi-circular shape in a portion between
the fastener pads 260a'',b'' in order to match the curvature of the
outer surface of the pipe 90. In various embodiments, the upper
housing 210'' and the lower housing 250'' together define a pipe
bore 204'' when the mechanical branch outlet 100'' is in an
assembled state such as shown in FIG. 12.
In various embodiments, the insert 300'' defines an outer surface
301'' and an inner surface 302'' and includes a first end 306'',
the second end 307'', and a rim 320'', which may alternatively be
described as a flange in the current embodiment. In various
embodiments, the insert 300'' includes a wall 308''. The first end
306'' and the second end 307'' define outer diameters 316'',317'',
respectively (both shown in FIG. 15), and the rim 320'' defines an
outer diameter 324'' (also shown in FIG. 15). In various
embodiments, an upper surface 401'' of the gasket 400'' can be made
flat and the rim 320'' of the insert 300'' and the inner surface
212'' of the upper housing 210'' can be made flat (i.e., without
curvature) to match. In such embodiments, it is primarily a lower
surface 402'' of the gasket and portions of the upper housing 210''
and the lower housing 260'' which are shaped to match the curvature
of the outer surface of the pipe 90.
The gasket 400'', a side cross-section of which is shown in and
described with respect to FIG. 18, defines the upper surface 401''
(shown with curvature), a lower surface 402'' (shown in FIG. 12),
an inner bore 410'', and an outer edge surface 415''. In various
embodiments, the gasket has an inner diameter 404'' (shown in FIG.
18) sized to receive a first end 306'' of the insert 300''. In
various embodiments, a curvature of a recess 413'' of the bore
410'' matches a curvature of a lower surface 321'' (shown in FIG.
15) and a curvature of an edge surface 323'' (also shown in FIG.
15) of the rim 320'' of the insert 300''. In various embodiments, a
curvature of the upper surface 401'' matches a curvature of the
inside surface 212'' of the upper housing 210''. In various
embodiments, a curvature of the lower surface 402'' matches a
curvature of the outer surface of the pipe 90 which in various
embodiments matches a curvature of the outer surface of the pipe 90
around the transverse bore 96. In various embodiments, a curvature
of the lower surface 402'' matches a curvature of the outer surface
of the pipe 90 even when the gasket 400'' is in a non-assembled
state (i.e., the gasket 400'' is formed or molded such that a
curvature of the lower surface 402'' matches a curvature of the
outer surface of the pipe 90 even before assembling the gasket
400'' to the pipe 90). In various embodiments, a curvature may be
introduced into the gasket 400'' during assembly of the gasket
400'' to the pipe 90. In various embodiments, the curved shape of
the gasket 400'' results in a cross-section or profile that varies
in shape depending on where the cross-section of the gasket 400''
is taken. In various embodiments, the gasket 400'' includes ears
430a'',b'' sized to be received within the ears 230a'',b'' of the
upper housing 210'' of the housing 200''. In various embodiments,
the inclusion of the ears 430a'',b'' prevents the gasket 400'' from
rotating out of the correct position about the transverse bore axis
82 with respect to the pipe 90. In various embodiments, the ears
430a'',b'' are sufficiently secured within the ears 230a'',b'' of
the upper housing 210'' of the housing 200''--for example, by a
tight fit therein--such that the ears 430a'',b'' can also be used
to retain the gasket 400'' in the housing 200''. In various
embodiments, the ears 230a'',b'' or the ears 430a'',b'' or both may
have, for example, a dovetail or cylindrical shape when viewed
facing along the transverse bore axis 82.
In various embodiments, the upper housing 210'' and the lower
housing 250'' incorporate complementary features which serve to
lock the upper housing 210'' with respect to the lower housing
250'', particularly as the mechanical branch outlet 100'' is being
assembled and tightened. In various embodiments, the lower housing
250'' includes a tab 270'' proximate the first end 256''. In
various embodiments, the tab 270'' is rounded to ease insertion
into a groove 240'' defined in the upper housing 210'' proximate
the second end 207''. When the mechanical branch outlet 100'' is
being assembled and tightened, axial movement of the upper housing
210'' with respect to the lower housing 250'' is resisted by
entrapment of the tab 270'' within the groove 240''. The disclosure
of one tab 270'' and one groove 240'' in the housing 200'' or their
particular locations should not be considered limiting on the
current disclosure, however, as in various embodiments a housing
such as the housing 200'' may include more than one set or no such
feature as a tab 270'' or a groove 240'' at all. In various
embodiments when present, the tab 270'' and the groove 240'' need
not be rounded and may be of any shape or size at all as long as
the tab 270'' fits within the groove 240''.
FIG. 12 shows the mechanical branch outlet 100'' from the front in
an assembled state taken along a longitudinal axis 202'' of the
pipe bore 204''. An exposed portion 330'' of the insert 300'' is
shown with an exposed length 334'' as measured from an uppermost
portion of the outer surface 211'' of the upper housing 210'' to
the second end 307'' of the insert 300''. The inner surface 212''
of the upper housing 210'' and the inner surface 252'' of the lower
housing 250'' of the housing 200'' are shown facing each other to
form the pipe bore 204''. In various embodiments, the facing
surface 224'' of the upper housing 210'' and the facing surface
254'' of the lower housing 250'' of the housing 200'' also face
each other and come into mating contact with each other during
assembly and tightening of the mechanical branch outlet 100''. In
various embodiments, this is an indication that the mechanical
branch outlet 100'' has been sufficiently tightened. In various
other embodiments, however, a gap remains between the facing
surface 224'' of the upper housing 210'' and the facing surface
254'' of the lower housing 250'' even after sufficient tightening
of the mechanical branch outlet 100''. In various embodiments, the
first end 306'' of the insert 300'' extends through both an outer
surface and an inner surface of the outer wall 98 of the pipe 90
and into the path of a fluid flowing through the pipe system 80''.
In various embodiments, by extending through at least an outer
surface of the outer wall 98 of the pipe 90, the insert 300'' is
prevented from rotating or otherwise shifting out of its original
position due to outside forces acting on one or more portions of
the assembly. In various embodiments, the first end 306'' can be
shorter than shown or curved (to more closely match an inner
diameter of the pipe 90)--or both shorter and curved--to diminish
obstruction with fluid flow, though in various other embodiments
the first end 306'' as shown in FIG. 12 may not obstruct fluid flow
to a degree that is undesirable or only obstructs fluid flow at a
level that is considered acceptable under the circumstances. In
various embodiments, the lower surface 402'' of the gasket 400''
may extend into the bore 204'' of the mechanical branch outlet
100'' before tightening of the branch outlet 100' about the pipe
90. In various embodiments, this ensures a sufficiently tight seal
between the gasket 400'' and the pipe 90.
FIG. 13 shows the mechanical branch outlet 100'' in cross-section
from the side in an assembled state. In various embodiments, a
recess 413'' defined in the bore 410'' of the gasket 400'' is sized
to receive the rim 320'' of the insert 300''. In various
embodiments, a first sealing leg 440'' contacts and seals against
an outer surface of the pipe 90 when the mechanical branch outlet
100'' is in an assembled state as shown. In various embodiments, a
second sealing leg 450'' contacts and seals against an outer
surface 301'' of the insert 300'' when the mechanical branch outlet
100'' is in an assembled state as shown. In various embodiments,
the first sealing leg 440'' and the second sealing leg 450'' define
a pocket 412'' defined where fluid enters and presses the first
sealing leg 440'' and the second sealing leg 450'' against the
mating surfaces of the pipe 90 and the insert 300'', respectively.
In various embodiments, fluid pressure against a first side 421''
of the pocket 412'' strengthens the seal formed by the first
sealing leg 440'' against an outer surface of the pipe 90. In
various embodiments, fluid pressure against a second side 422'' of
the pocket 412'' strengthens the seal formed by the second sealing
leg 450'' against an outer surface 301'' of the insert 300''. In
various embodiments, the outer diameter 316'' (shown in FIG. 15) of
the first end 306'' of the insert 300'' in a non-assembled state is
slightly larger than the inner diameter 404'' (shown in FIG. 18) of
the gasket 400'' in a non-assembled state to produce initial
compression of the gasket 400 and help ensure a tight seal between
the insert 300'' and the gasket 400''. In various embodiments, the
outer diameter 316'' of the first end 306'' of the insert 300'' in
a non-assembled state is about equal to the inner diameter 404'' of
the gasket 400'' in a non-assembled state but features of the
gasket 400'' such as the second sealing leg 450'' project, at least
in part, radially inward from where the inner diameter 404'' is
measured to produce initial compression of the gasket 400'' and
help ensure a tight seal between the insert 300'' and the gasket
400''. In various embodiments, each of the first sealing leg 440'',
the second sealing leg 450'', and other sealing legs of various
embodiments may include various surfaces, tips, and portions and
define various angles and other features hereinafter described. The
first sealing leg 440'', the second sealing leg 450'', and other
sealing legs of various embodiments may alternatively be described
as a sealing lip or a seal.
FIGS. 14 and 15 show a side view and a cross-sectional view,
respectively, of the insert 300''. In various embodiments, an angle
.theta..sub.5 of the rim 320'' as measured between a horizontal
plane 390'' and an upper surface 322'' of the rim 320'' varies
between zero degrees at the front and rear to between zero and 90
degrees at each side. In various embodiments, the angle
.theta..sub.5 reaches a maximum of approximately 15 to 20 degrees.
The disclosure of the angle .theta..sub.5 reaching a maximum of
between 15 and 20 degrees should not be considered limiting on the
current disclosure, however, as the angle .theta..sub.5 may reach a
maximum value outside of this range depending on the diameter and
shape of the pipe 90 to which the mechanical branch outlet 100'' is
assembled. In various embodiments, a curvature of the lower surface
321'' matches a curvature of the recess 413'' of the gasket 400''.
In various embodiments, the upper surface 322'' and the lower
surface 321'' are parallel to one another in cross-section and
define a rim thickness T''. In various embodiments, an internal gap
G'' is substantially equal to the rim thickness T'' minus double
the thickness of the material forming the material of the rim
320''.
In various embodiments, the rim 320'' defines a curvature 327'' at
the radially outward edge of the lower surface 321'' and a
curvature 328'' at the radially outward edge of the upper surface
322'' not only at each angular location around the perimeter of the
insert 300'' but also defines a curvature from a radially inward
portion of the rim 320'' to a radially outward portion of the rim
320''. Therefore, in various embodiments the angle .theta..sub.5 is
an average angle of the upper surface 322'' with respect to the
horizontal plane 390''. In various embodiments, the curvature 328''
of the upper surface 322'' and the curvature 327'' of the lower
surface 321'' of the rim 320'' may vary by an amount equal to a
distance between the upper surface 322'' and the lower surface
321'' of the rim 320''. Again, the first end 306'' of the insert
300'' is shown having the outer diameter 316'', and the second end
307'' of the insert 300'' is shown having the outer diameter 317''.
In various embodiments, an axially outermost edge of the first end
306'' is flat as shown. In various other embodiments, an axially
outermost edge of the first end 306'' defines a curvature (not
shown). In various embodiments, an axially outermost edge of the
second end 307'' is flat. In various embodiments, an axially
outermost portion of the second end 307'' is expanded such that the
insert 300'' is able to receive a portion of a piping system
element such as plain-end copper pipe sufficient in length for
sweating or brazing to the insert 300''. In various embodiments, a
portion of the outer surface 301'' of the insert 300'' proximate
the second end 307'' defines an annular groove sized to receive a
pipe coupling or other connecting element for connecting the insert
300'' to a piping system element such as a pipe with a similar
annular groove on at least one end.
FIG. 16 shows the gasket 400 of the mechanical branch outlet 100.
In various embodiments, the gasket 400 defines the upper surface
401, the lower surface 402, the outer edge surface 415, the bore
410, the inner diameter 404, and the pocket 412 defined between the
first sealing leg 440 and the second sealing leg 450. As previously
described, the pocket 412 includes the first side 421 and the
second side 422. In various embodiments, the inner diameter 404 is
defined across radially innermost opposing portions of a bore 410
in a plane perpendicular to an axis of the gasket. In various
embodiments, the first sealing leg 440 includes an angled sealing
portion 441 defined in the lower surface 402 and a sealing tip 443
located at a radially innermost edge of the lower surface 402.
Adjacent the sealing portion 441 is a flat sealing portion 442,
which is also defined in the lower surface 402. In various
embodiments, the angled sealing portion 441 is angled with respect
to the flat sealing portion 442 by an angle 445. The angle 445 in
various embodiments helps to provide an initial seal and a tight
seal between the gasket 400 and the pipe 90. In various
embodiments, the angle 445 is between about 5 and 10 degrees. The
disclosure of an angle between about 5 and 10 degrees for the angle
445 should not be considered limiting on the current disclosure,
however, as in various embodiments the angle 445 may measure
outside this range and may even measure zero degrees. In various
embodiments, the entire lower surface 402 is flat with respect to
the outer surface of the pipe 90. In various embodiments, the
second sealing leg 450 includes a sealing surface 451, an edge
relief 452, and a sealing tip 453, where the edge relief 452 and
the sealing tip 453 may include a radius or a chamfer in various
embodiments. In various embodiments, the angled sealing surface 451
is angled with respect to an axial direction defined by an axis 490
of the gasket 400 by an angle 455. In various embodiments, the
angle 455 is between about 5 and 10 degrees. The disclosure of an
angle between about 5 and 10 degrees for the angle 455 should not
be considered limiting on the current disclosure, however, as in
various embodiments the angle 455 may measure outside this range
and may even measure zero degrees. In various embodiments, the
pocket 412 is angled with respect to the radial direction defined
by the gasket 400 by an angle 456. In various embodiments, opposing
inner surfaces defined in the sides 421,422 of the pocket 412 are,
for example, parallel to one another in cross section. In various
embodiments, the pocket 412 allows space for the first sealing leg
440 and the second sealing leg 450 of the gasket 400 to deform
during assembly of the mechanical branch outlet to the pipe 90 and
provides a fluid pocket to enhance the seal between the gasket 400
and the pipe 90 or the insert 300 as previously described. In
various embodiments, the sealing tip 443 is positioned radially
outward from the sealing tip 453 by an offset distance 446. In
various embodiments, the offset distance 446 is sufficiently large
enough so that the first sealing leg 440 does not contact the
insert 300 during assembly in such a way as to interfere with the
seal created between the first sealing leg 440 and the pipe 90. In
various embodiments, the features and functional aspects of the
gasket 400--including but not limited to the first sealing leg 440
defining the angle 445 and the second sealing leg 450 defining the
angle 455--may be incorporated in respective portions of the
gaskets 400',400''.
FIG. 17 shows the gasket 400' of the mechanical branch outlet 100'.
In various embodiments, the gasket 400' defines the upper surface
401', the lower surface 402', the outer edge surface 415', the bore
410', the inner diameter 404', a pocket 412' between the first
sealing leg 440' and the second sealing leg 450', and a recess 413'
between the second sealing leg 450' and the third sealing leg 460'.
As previously described, the pocket 412' includes the first side
421' and the second side 422'. In various embodiments, the inner
diameter 404' is defined across radially innermost opposing
portions of a bore 410' in a plane perpendicular to an axis of the
gasket. In various embodiments, the first sealing leg 440' includes
a sealing tip 443' at a radially innermost edge of the lower
surface 402'. In various embodiments, the lower surface 402'
extends in a radial direction and matches the outer surface of the
pipe 90, though all or portions of the lower surface 402' can be
angled with respect to the radial direction in various other
embodiments. In various embodiments, the second sealing leg 450'
includes a sealing surface 451', an edge relief 452', and a sealing
tip 453', where the edge relief 452' and the sealing tip 453' may
include a radius or a chamfer in various embodiments. In various
embodiments, the sealing surface 451' is parallel to an axial
direction defined by an axis 490' of the gasket 400', though the
sealing surface 451' may be angled with respect to the axial
direction in various other embodiments. In various embodiments, the
pocket 412' is angled with respect to the radial direction defined
by the gasket 400' by an angle 456'. In various embodiments,
opposing inner surfaces defined in the sides 421',422' of the
pocket 412' are, for example, parallel to one another in cross
section. In various embodiments, the pocket 412' allows space for
the first sealing leg 440' and the second sealing leg 450' of the
gasket 400' to deform during assembly of the mechanical branch
outlet to the pipe 90 and provides a fluid pocket to enhance the
seal between the gasket 400' and the pipe 90 or the insert 300' as
previously described. In various embodiments, the third sealing leg
460' includes a first rib 462' and a second rib 464'. In various
embodiments, the first rib 462' is positioned on an angled surface
of the third sealing leg 460' and is configured to contact an upper
surface 322' of the rim 320' of the insert 300'. In various
embodiments, the second rib 464' is positioned on a vertical
surface of the third sealing leg 460' and is configured to contact
a vertical portion of the outer surface 301' of the insert
300'.
FIG. 18 shows the gasket 400'' of the mechanical branch outlet
100''. In various embodiments, the gasket 400'' defines the upper
surface 401'', the lower surface 402'', the outer edge surface
415'', the bore 410'', the inner diameter 404'', a pocket 412''
between the first sealing leg 440'' and the second sealing leg
450'', and a recess 413'' between the second sealing leg 450' and
the upper surface 401''. As previously described, the pocket 412''
includes the first side 421'' and the second side 422''. In various
embodiments, the inner diameter 404'' is defined across radially
innermost opposing portions of a bore 410'' in a plane
perpendicular to an axis of the gasket. In various embodiments, the
first sealing leg 440'' includes a sealing tip 443'' at a radially
innermost edge of the lower surface 402''. In various embodiments,
the lower surface 402'' extends in a radial direction and matches
the outer surface of the pipe 90, though all or portions of the
lower surface 402'' can be angled with respect to the radial
direction in various other embodiments. In various embodiments, the
second sealing leg 450'' includes a sealing surface 451'', an edge
relief 452'', and a sealing tip 453'', where the edge relief 452''
and the sealing tip 453'' may include a radius or a chamfer in
various embodiments. In various embodiments, the sealing surface
451'' is parallel to an axial direction defined by an axis 490'' of
the gasket 400'', though the sealing surface 451'' may be angled
with respect to the axial direction in various other embodiments.
In various embodiments, the pocket 412'' is angled with respect to
the radial direction defined by the gasket 400'' by an angle 456''.
In various embodiments, opposing inner surfaces defined in the
sides 421'',422'' of the pocket 412'' are, for example, parallel to
one another in cross section. In various embodiments, the pocket
412'' allows space for the first sealing leg 440'' and the second
sealing leg 450'' of the gasket 400'' to deform during assembly of
the mechanical branch outlet to the pipe 90 and provides a fluid
pocket to enhance the seal between the gasket 400'' and the pipe 90
or the insert 300'' as previously described. In various
embodiments, the recess 413'' is sized to receive the rim 320'' of
the insert 300''.
FIG. 19 shows a crimped joint 1900 connecting the insert 300 to a
piping system element 1910. In various embodiments, the piping
system element 1910--which can be a coupling, a section of pipe, an
elbow, a tee, an adapter, a cap, a union, a reducer, or any one of
a number of various crimp fittings--is assembled to an insert such
as the insert 300. In various embodiments, the end 307 of the
exposed portion 330 of the insert 300 is inserted into the piping
system element 1910 far enough to enable a securing element 1920 to
be engaged with the insert 300. In various embodiments, engaging
the securing element 1920 with the insert 300 includes a mechanical
crimping, squeezing, or pressing of the crimped joint 1900 such
that the piping system element 1910 and the insert 300 are
mechanically locked together. In various embodiments, the securing
element 1920 of the piping system element 1910 includes an annular
elastomeric seal (not shown) such as an O-ring that additionally
forms a seal between the piping system element 1910 and the insert
300 as the piping system element 1910 is connected to the insert
300.
In various embodiments of a mechanical branch outlet such as the
mechanical branch outlet 100, a rim of an insert such as the rim
320 of the insert 300 retains the first end 306 of the insert 300
inside the housing 200. In various embodiments, an outer diameter
of a rim such as the outer diameter 324 of the rim 320 is greater
than an outer diameter 316 of the first end 306 of the insert 300.
In various embodiments, an insert such as the insert 300 extends
through the outlet bore 215 of the upper housing 210 of the housing
200, an exposed portion 330 of the insert sufficient in length and
having a plain end allowing it to be crimped to a piping system
element. In various embodiments, a minimum insertion length such as
the insertion length 1950 for crimping or otherwise engaging a
mechanically locked joint is greater than the exposed length 334 of
the insert 300.
In various embodiments of a pipe system such as the pipe system 80,
the insert 300 extends from the pipe 90 at an angle to a
longitudinal axis 202 of the pipe 90 that is substantially equal to
90 degrees. In various embodiments, a fluid (not shown) inside the
pipe 90 is not able to come in contact with the housing 200 when
the pipe system 80 is in an assembled state. Rather, the insert 300
and the gasket 400 contact the fluid instead. In various
embodiments, a mechanical branch outlet such as the mechanical
branch outlet 100, a crimped joint such as the crimped joint 1900,
a crimp fitting such as that represented by the piping system
element 1910, and a pipe system such as the pipe system 80 all
comply with NSF-61 specifications for drinking water system
components. In various embodiments, all surfaces of the mechanical
branch outlet 100 exposed to a fluid inside the pipe system 80 when
the mechanical branch outlet 100 is assembled to the pipe system 80
are formed from a lead-free material.
Some materials--brass or bronze, for example--are acceptable to use
in such pipe systems as the pipe system 80 where the material is in
direct contact with the fluid in the pipe system 80. Such materials
if used to form a housing such as the upper housing 210 of the
housing 200, however, can fail mechanically during installation or
during use because such materials are often more brittle than
materials that are not as safe but are sufficiently ductile to
handle the loads experienced during installation and use. In
addition, when a material such as bronze or brass is used in a pipe
system such as the pipe system 80, copper tubing or tubing of
another material is typically "sweated" or brazed in or an adapter
fitting is typically sweated to the tubing by applying heat to the
connection and placing solder inside the connection. The bronze or
brass housing and adapter fitting are both threaded to receive the
sweated or brazed fitting including the copper tubing or copper
tubing stub. Incorporating sweating and threaded operations into a
connection may increase the cost and complexity of the connection,
however. They may also require that an individual installing the
fitting possess certain tools and materials--a heat source such as
a propane torch and solder--and certain skills--the ability to
properly prepare and solder by hand a completely leak-proof joint
and the ability to probably thread and tighten to the proper torque
any adapter fittings that are used--that would not otherwise be
required.
In various embodiments, components of a housing such as the upper
housing 210 and the lower housing 250 of the housing 200 are cast
from ductile iron. In various embodiments, the ductile iron used
meets ASTM A536 specifications for a grade 65-45-12 and does not
require additional heat treatment after casting. In various
embodiments, the ductile iron used is able to withstand the
structural loads experienced during assembling and tightening of a
mechanical branch outlet such as the mechanical branch outlet 100.
The disclosure of ductile iron should not be considered limiting on
the present disclosure, however, as in various other embodiments
one or more components of the housing 200 may be made from brass,
bronze, plastic, or any other sufficiently strong material. The
disclosure of a casting process should also not be considered
limiting on the present disclosure, as in various other embodiments
one or more components of the housing 200 may be injection-molded,
machined, or formed using another appropriate forming method known
to one of ordinary skill in the art. In various embodiments, the
fastener torque, which can be specified by ANSI for this kind of
installation, can be within a range of 30-40 foot-pounds for a
U-bolt; within a range of 60-80 foot-pounds for a 1/2'' bolt;
within a range of 100-130 foot-pounds for a 5/8'' bolt; and within
a range of 130-180 foot-pounds for a 3/4'' bolt. The disclosure of
fastener torque range should not be considered limiting on the
current disclosure, however, as in various embodiments an
acceptable torque range is outside of these ranges. In various
embodiments, the bolt size used is outside of those disclosed
herein. In various embodiments, the upper housing 210 and the lower
housing 250 include a copper-colored alkyd enamel coating.
Disclosure of a copper-colored alkyd enamel coating should not be
considered limiting on the current disclosure, however, as in
various embodiments the housing is coated with any one of a number
of other coatings including, but not limited to, a hot-dipped
galvanized coating.
In various embodiments, a bolt such as included in the fasteners
used to assemble a mechanical branch outlet such as the mechanical
branch outlet 100 is an oval-neck track head bolt. In various
embodiments, such a bolt is a heat-treated, zinc-electroplated bolt
made of carbon steel. In various embodiments, the bolt has
mechanical properties meeting ASTM A183 Grade 2 or ASTM A449
specifications. In various embodiments, a nut such as included in
the fasteners used to assemble a mechanical branch outlet such as
the mechanical branch outlet 100 has mechanical properties meeting
ASTM A563 Grade A or Grade B, 1995 Grade 2, or ISO 898-1 Class 8.8
specifications. In various embodiments, the bolt or the nut or the
fastener that is otherwise utilized is formed from 304 series or
316 series stainless steel or another appropriate grade known to
one of ordinary skill in the art.
In various embodiments, an insert such as the insert 300 is formed
from copper. In various embodiments, the copper from which the
insert 300 is formed is a type K or a type L copper meeting ASTM
B88 specifications. Disclosure of a copper formed is a type K or a
type L copper meeting ASTM B88 specifications, however, should not
be considered limiting on the current disclosure. In various
embodiments, a rim such as the rim 320 is formed from and integral
with the material of the insert 300. In various embodiments, the
insert 300 is formed at least in part from another metallic
material such as stainless steel or aluminum or from a non-metallic
material such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), chlorinated polyvinyl
chloride (CPVC), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), or another
plastic material. The disclosure of copper, stainless steel,
aluminum, PVC, CPVC, HDPE, and other plastic materials should not
be considered limiting on the current disclosure, however, as in
various other embodiments other materials may be used depending on
the characteristics of the system and the pressure rating required.
In various embodiments, the insert 300 is molded using an
injection-molding or similar process. In various embodiments, at
least one of an insert such as the insert 300 and a housing such as
the housing 200 includes a dielectric coating or a non-conductive
sleeve to electrically isolate the insert from the housing.
In various embodiments, a rim of an insert such as the rim 320 of
the insert 300 is formed integrally with the first end 306 and the
second end 307 of the insert 300 by rolling one end of a section of
pipe (not shown) back over itself in such a way that the rim 320 is
formed between the first end 306 and the second end 307 of the
insert 300. In various embodiments, tooling presses or otherwise
forms the rim 320 into a flange shape that matches the contour of
various surfaces of the pipe 90, the housing 200, and the gasket
400. In various embodiments, a rim of an insert such as the rim
320' of the insert 300' is formed by placing a section of pipe (not
shown) into a die (not shown), heating the section of pipe, and
pressuring the inside of the pipe in such a way that a portion of
the pipe between the first end 306' and the second end 307' of the
insert 300' is deformed to match the shape of the die. In various
embodiments, the shape of the die matches the desired shape of the
rim 320' such that the shape of the rim 320' matches the contour of
various surfaces of the pipe 90, the housing 200', and the gasket
400'. In various embodiments, the section of pipe forming the
insert 300' is separately formed by any one or more of a variety of
mechanical forming processes before or after the section of pipe is
heated and blown into a die. In various embodiments, a rim of an
insert such as the rim 320'' of the insert 300'' is formed by
placing a section of pipe (not shown) into a die (not shown),
heating the section of pipe, and pressuring the inside of the pipe
in such a way that a portion of the pipe between the first end
306'' and the second end 307'' of the insert 300'' is deformed to
match the shape of the die. In various embodiments, the material
surround the rim 320'' is processed further to adjust the thickness
T'' of the rim 320'' or the gap G'' inside the upper surface 322''
and the lower surface 321'' of the rim 320''. In various
embodiments, the shape of the die matches the desired shape of the
rim 320'' such that the shape of the rim 320'' matches the contour
of various surfaces of the pipe 90, the housing 200'', and the
gasket 400''.
In various embodiments, a rim such as any of the rims
320,320',320'' may be formed separately to mimic the geometry
disclosed and then brazed or otherwise secured to an insert not
formed with such a rim. In various embodiments, a separately-formed
rim may be formed from a material other than copper and may be
secured to the pipe by a method other than brazing. In various
embodiments, a rim such as any of the rims 320,320',320'' shown
protruding beyond an outer diameter of an insert such as the outer
diameter 317 may instead by formed as a reverse flange or reverse
rim. In various embodiments, forming a reverse flange or a reverse
rim in an insert includes forming the insert such that an annular
indentation is defined in an outer surface of the insert. In
various embodiments, the curvature of such a rim may be made to
follow the curvature of an outer surface of the pipe 90. A housing,
or portions thereof, may be configured to lock into the reverse
flange or reverse rim in order to retain the insert in the
housing.
In various embodiments, a gasket such as the gasket 400 is made
from an elastomeric material. In various embodiments, the gasket
400 is made from an EPDM material meeting the Grade E designation
of ASTM D2000, which is typically suited for water service, diluted
acids, alkalies solutions, oil-free air, and many other chemical
services in temperatures ranging from as low as -40 degrees
Fahrenheit to as high as 250 degrees Fahrenheit. In various
embodiments, the gasket 400 is made from a nitrile rubber material
meeting the Grade T designation of ASTM D2000, which is suited for
petroleum, air with oil vapors, and vegetable and mineral oils in
temperatures ranging from as low as -20 degrees Fahrenheit to as
high as 180 degrees Fahrenheit. The disclosure of specific
materials, types of service, and temperature ranges for the gasket
400 should not be considered limiting on the current disclosure,
however, as in various embodiments the gasket material, type of
service, or temperature falls outside of these ranges or
specifications. In various embodiments, the gasket or another
portion of the mechanical branch outlet 100 is lubricated or is
installed with the aid of a lubricant.
In various embodiments, a gasket such as the gasket 400 is molded
to or adhesively attached to an insert such as the insert 300. In
various embodiments, the insert 300 and the gasket 400 can be
molded together in the same operation using an overmolding process
wherein the gasket is molded in-place on the outside surface 301 of
the insert 300. In various embodiments, a rim such as the rim 320
of the insert 300 causes the copper insert to be retained securely
within the housing 200 of the mechanical branch outlet even when
subjected to the high pressures experienced inside a pipe system
such as the pipe system 80. In various embodiments, entrapment of
the rim 320 inside the housing 200 results from the outer diameter
324 of the rim 320 being smaller than an inner diameter of the bore
215 of the housing 200. In various embodiments, a rim such as the
rim 320 is in contact with both the housing 200 and the gasket 400.
In various embodiments, a rim such as the rim 320 is in contact
with only the gasket 400. In various embodiments, a rim such as the
rim 320 is in contact with the pipe 90. In various embodiments, an
insert such as the insert 300 is isolated from the housing 200.
This is accomplished by capturing or entrapping a rim such as the
rim 320' inside the gasket 400' and enlarging the bore 215' of the
upper housing 210' so that a gap (not shown) is created between the
insert 300' and the upper housing 210'. In various embodiments, the
height of a gasket such as the gasket 400 as measured along a
vertical axis such as the vertical axis 102 is sized to support the
insert 300 such that direct contact between the insert 300 and the
housing 200 is not necessary. In various embodiments, a gasket such
as the gasket 400 incorporates additional seals or ribs to seal
against the insert 300 or the pipe 90 in additional locations. In
various embodiments, a gasket such as the gasket 400 defines a
lower surface 402 having a cylindrical contour or shape that is
substantially coaxial with a longitudinal axis 202 of the
mechanical branch outlet 100. In various embodiments, a rim such as
the rim 320 of the insert 300 has a cylindrical contour or shape
that is substantially coaxial with a longitudinal axis 202 of the
mechanical branch outlet 100.
In various embodiments, a housing such as that resulting from a
pair of upper housings 210 are secured about a pipe 90 together
with a pair of gaskets 400 and a pair of inserts 300. A resulting
mechanical branch outlet (not shown) will thus have two outlets and
can be described as a cross-tee outlet or a cross connection with
an exposed portion 330 of each insert 300 attachable to additional
piping system elements such as the piping system element 1910.
In various embodiments, a method for assembling one of the
mechanical branch outlets 100,100',100'' includes preparing the
pipe 90 by drilling, cutting, or otherwise forming the transverse
bore 96 in the pipe 90 along the transverse bore axis 82,
positioning the first end 306,306',306'' of the insert
300,300',300'' into the transverse opening 96 in the pipe 90; and
assembling the housing 200,200',200'' to the pipe 90 such that a
fluid (not shown) inside the pipe 90 is prevented from contacting
the housing 200,200',200'' when the mechanical branch outlet
100,100',100'' is assembled to the pipe 90. In other words, the
mechanical branch outlet 100,100',100'' is isolated from a fluid
path defined through the pipe 90 and through the insert
300,300',300'' when the pipe system 80,80',80'' is in an assembled
state.
In various embodiments of the method, the insert 300,300',300''
extends from the pipe 90 at an angle to the longitudinal axis 92 of
the pipe 90 that is substantially equal to 90 degrees. In various
embodiments of the method, the pipe 90 is a first pipe 90, the
method further comprising connecting a piping system element 1910
to the insert 300,300',300'' with a crimp fitting. In various
embodiments, the piping system element 1910 is itself a crimp
fitting. In various embodiments, the method further includes
assembling the gasket 400,400',400'' to the pipe 90 between the
upper housing 210,210',210'' of the housing 200,200',200'' and the
pipe 90.
In various embodiments of the method, assembling the gasket
400,400',400'' to the pipe 90 includes contacting a first sealing
leg 440,440',440'' of the gasket 400,400',400'' with an outer
surface of the pipe 90. In various embodiments of the method,
assembling the gasket 400,400',400'' to the pipe 90 includes
contacting a second sealing leg 450,450',450'' of the gasket
400,400',400'' with an outer surface 301,301',301'' of the insert
300,300',300'' of the mechanical branch outlet 100,100',100''.
For purposes of the current disclosure, a measurement measuring
about X or substantially X on a measurement scale measures within a
range between X plus an industry-standard upper tolerance for the
specified measurement and X minus an industry-standard lower
tolerance for the specified measurement. Because tolerances can
vary between different components and between different models of
mechanical branch outlets such as the mechanical branch outlets
100,100',100'', the tolerance for a particular measurement of a
particular component of a particular mechanical branch outlet can
fall within a range of tolerances.
One should note that conditional language, such as, among others,
"can," "could," "might," or "may," unless specifically stated
otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is
generally intended to convey that certain embodiments include,
while other embodiments do not include, certain features, elements
and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally
intended to imply that features, elements and/or steps are in any
way required for one or more particular embodiments or that one or
more particular embodiments necessarily include logic for deciding,
with or without user input or prompting, whether these features,
elements and/or steps are included or are to be performed in any
particular embodiment.
It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments are
merely possible examples of implementations, merely set forth for a
clear understanding of the principles of the present disclosure.
Any process descriptions or blocks in flow diagrams should be
understood as representing modules, segments, or portions of code
which include one or more executable instructions for implementing
specific logical functions or steps in the process, and alternate
implementations are included in which functions may not be included
or executed at all, may be executed out of order from that shown or
discussed, including substantially concurrently or in reverse
order, depending on the functionality involved, as would be
understood by those reasonably skilled in the art of the present
disclosure. Many variations and modifications may be made to the
above-described embodiment(s) without departing substantially from
the spirit and principles of the present disclosure. Further, the
scope of the present disclosure is intended to cover any and all
combinations and sub-combinations of all elements, features, and
aspects discussed above. All such modifications and variations are
intended to be included herein within the scope of the present
disclosure, and all possible claims to individual aspects or
combinations of elements or steps are intended to be supported by
the present disclosure.
* * * * *
References